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Saturday, October 11, 2008

Count your blessings one by one...

The past few weeks, or months have been difficult. Norse and I are doing well. Our life is pretty simple and easy right now, but it has been hard to watch those around us deal with the hardship that life has thrown at them. This morning I was thinking of the song, count your blessings one by one, and so thankful for all the blessings in my life. So often I take things for granted, but as I try to encourage others around me I am impressed with how much I really have. I have a tendency to be somewhat pessimistic, wondering when my time of sorrow will come, but instead I am trying to live each day to the fullest and live in the joy of the Lord.

We went to a funeral yesterday for a wonderful man in our church. He has two amazing children and a beautiful wife. It was hard to think about the way their lives will change now that he is gone. I am truly broken for those he left behind. Probably because I know what it is like to not have your dad to walk you down the aisle, or hold your children, or just be there to be your dad. I know the loss that fills your heart when you least expect it. I am so glad that she has her Heavenly Father and an amazing brother to fill those gaps for her. This is very childish, a little embarrassing, and most likely theologically unsound, but when it happened I couldn't help but think that maybe our dads were meeting each other for the first time in heaven as they basked in the glory of God. Silly, I know.

I also am meeting more and more people who are really struggling financially. Two people I know who are going to have to file bankruptcy and another who's house is being foreclosed on. It makes me so thankful that even though Norse has bad days, and trials at work that at least for now we are secure financially. I don't want to take that for granted. I want to be a good steward and generous because we have been given so much.

So, now I will count my blessings...1. I have a committed husband who loves me unconditionally.2. We are able to make our mortgage payments every month and have no other debt. 3. I have a fantastic, healthy, happy baby boy ( who even did well for the first time at the babysitters)4. We have food in our freezer and my husband hunts to provide meet for his family. 5. I have an amazing family who loves me. 6. I have great in-laws who even though they drive me nuts sometimes, really are great people. 7. I am involved in fantastic ministries that further the Gospel. 8. My dog doesn't really smell too much like road kill anymore. 9. I sold my maternity pants on e-bay and I can fit into my old jeans(even if they are a little tight) 10. I have people who pray for me daily. 11. I have an awesome best buddy in ID.

The list could go on and on, but most importantly I am thankful for the free gift of eternal life Jesus Christ has given me and the empowering Holy Spirit who lives in me to sustain me through the good and hard times of life.